Wesley ruled out of World Cup after adductor injury; five Roma players remain in tournament

Gianluca Mancini has reinforced his commitment to AS Roma by getting the letters 'SPQR' tattooed on his left thigh, a symbol of his deep connection to the club. The centre-back rejected interest from Inter Milan during the summer transfer window and signed a contract renewal on 18 July that keeps him at Roma until 2029. Mancini's agent Giuseppe Riso revealed to fcinter1908 that the defender had turned down more lucrative offers elsewhere. Riso said: "I wanted to take him away with even more important offers (laughs) but he wanted at all costs to stay at Roma." He continued: "Gasperini and D'Amico were better than me at convincing him, I would have sold him but he refused everything for Roma. It's a gesture he makes for Roma." Riso added: "I told him he's crazy, I'm happy because he's happy. He could have earned more but he's happy." Mancini's refusal to join Inter came as the Nerazzurri sought defensive reinforcement under Chivu. Riso also praised fellow Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante, saying: "He never had any intention of leaving Roma, he is Roma's captain and will go down in the history of the club forever." The agent's comments underline the loyalty both players have shown to the Giallorossi despite external interest.

Gianluca Mancini turned down multiple rich transfer proposals during the summer window to remain at Roma, according to his agent Giuseppe Riso. Despite interest from other clubs, the centre-back was determined to continue his career at the Giallorossi and defend the club's colours. Riso told FcInter1908 that he had wanted to sell Mancini and move him away from Roma, but the player refused every option. "Gianluca Mancini for me is mad! I wanted to sell him and take him away from Roma, he refused everything in order to stay. He had very rich offers, I would have sold him. Gasperini and D'Amico were better than me at convincing him," the agent said. Riso also discussed fellow client Bryan Cristante, emphasising the midfielder's commitment to Roma. "Bryan Cristante is the captain and never thought of leaving Roma. He has 360 matches in the Giallorosso shirt… he will enter Roma's history forever," Riso added. Both players have demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the club despite external temptation, reinforcing their status as key figures in the squad under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

Roma are continuing their January transfer activity and have set their sights on Nicolas Raskin, the Belgian midfielder at Glasgow Rangers. Sporting director Tony D'Amico is looking to strengthen Gian Piero Gasperini's squad across all departments, with an attacking winger remaining the priority but reinforcements planned throughout the team. Raskin, born in 2001, is keen to leave Rangers and take the next step in his career after impressing at the World Cup, where he made six appearances and provided two assists before his side's quarter-final exit against Spain. The 23-year-old has attracted attention from multiple clubs, with Villarreal also in the hunt and currently holding a slight advantage in the race. In his last season in Scotland, Raskin made 50 appearances for Rangers, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists. Roma believe the midfielder could be an upgrade on their current options, though the Catalan club's position means the outcome remains uncertain.

Roma are pursuing a significant revamp of their defensive and attacking flanks following Santiago Castro's arrival. Sporting CP's Ivan Fresneda remains the priority target for the right-back position, with the Portuguese club valuing the Spanish defender at approximately €15 million. Roma are intensifying diplomatic contact to negotiate that fee downwards. Wesley is the first-choice right-back, with Devyne Rensch providing cover, though the club believes additional quality additions are necessary. Rafik Belghali remains a backup option but has not entirely convinced the coaching staff due to fitness concerns. On the left flank, a major restructure is underway. Anass Salah-Eddine is close to departing after failing to fit Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical requirements, with PSV Eindhoven preparing a return deal following his loan spell there last season. The player had preferred a Premier League move, but PSV are advancing towards completing the transfer. Angeliño's position is also uncertain. The Spanish defender has not fully convinced Gasperini during pre-season and Roma will consider offers for him. Deportivo La Coruña have registered interest, though no formal bids have yet reached the club.

Roma are overhauling their full-back options as head coach Gasperini reshapes the squad. Salah-Eddine is poised to leave, with PSV Eindhoven positioned to conclude a deal following his loan spell there last season, though the defender had preferred a Premier League move. Angeliño, the Spanish left-back, has not convinced Gasperini during pre-season and Roma are looking to sell him; Deportivo la Coruña have shown interest but no formal approach has arrived. On the right flank, Roma are targeting Sporting Lisbon's Fresneda at a cost of around €15 million, with the club working to reduce that valuation. Diego Moreira remains the dream signing for the left wing but Strasbourg's high demands are complicating that pursuit. Wesley remains the established starter with Devyne Rensch as cover, though Gasperini wants additional depth across the flank positions. Zeki Çelik, previously in that role, is no longer part of the plans. Roma are also monitoring Cacciamani of Torino, who has returned from his loan at Juve Stabia, though Belghali is also under consideration despite fitness concerns.

Mile Svilar addressed reporters following Roma's friendly against Cannes, firmly stating he had received no contact regarding reported Juventus interest. "Frankly I know nothing about this story. I cannot say anything, because I was not consulted. For me today there is only Roma and I am focused on giving my best for this shirt, this club and these fans," the goalkeeper said. Roma are in their pre-season preparation phase, with Svilar highlighting the intensity of the physical work underway. He felt the first half against Cannes went well but questioned the dismissal of Wesley, which forced Roma to play with a numerical disadvantage in a friendly fixture. Svilar stressed that results cannot yet be measured and that another month of work is needed before competitive matches begin. With Champions League football on the horizon alongside domestic duties, he acknowledged the challenge of the double commitment but expressed confidence in Roma's ability to manage it. Looking ahead to the season, Svilar declared: "Frankly? I do not fear anyone. I cannot wait to play real matches, whatever opponent we face." The goalkeeper's comments underline Roma's ambitions as they prepare for a campaign that will include Europe's premier club competition.

Roma have completed the Santiago Castro signing for €35M including add-ons and will resume their search for a fast attacker, but Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli and Manchester United's Marcus Rashford remain unrealistic targets. Both players earn around €11M gross annually, significantly more than Roma's top earners—a wage gap that also prevented Mason Greenwood from moving to the Italian capital. Artem Dovbyk is departing on loan to Bologna with a €17M option to buy, where he will work with coach Giovanni Tedesco to revive his career. Antonio Nusa currently leads Roma's shortlist as an alternative, though RB Leipzig are in advanced talks to sell Yan Diomande to Real Madrid, which could complicate the pursuit. Rashford's name emerged during discussions with Manchester United over Manu Koné, but the club have not aggressively pursued the Frenchman despite his impressive Barcelona loan spell—14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances. Roma's investment in a centre-forward after a summer spent hunting for a winger appears strategic; Castro and Donyell Malen can both operate as mobile forwards. Matías Soulé remains at the club, and Roma may yet explore another attacking addition depending on tactical requirements.

Paolo Marcacci's weekly ratings roundup highlights Paulo Dybala's perfectly struck free-kick against Cannes in a friendly, earning top marks for technical excellence regardless of the opposition's standard. Donyell Malen has returned from his recent World Cup commitments with renewed hunger for goals and prominence in Roma's attacking play, while Devyne Rensch is already showing signs of sharpness and remains underrated heading into official fixtures. Pierluigi Gollini's position as second-choice keeper warrants reflection from the club. Matías Soulé's fitness condition drew specific mention from Gasperini in a recent press conference, with Soulé appearing among those most behind pace during the Cannes match—though this observation carries no bearing on ongoing transfer considerations. Angeliño's search for match sharpness requires respectful patience rather than unsolicited commentary. The wider ratings reflect concerns about Italy's national team setup under new management, with political interference in sporting matters undermining both the sport itself and public confidence.

Radio Roma commentators have weighed in on the club's transfer strategy following its opening move, with widespread consensus that an attacking winger remains the urgent priority before the squad departs for Wales. Lorenzo Pes said: "The first market move is a bit late; now D'Amico's mission is to sign the winger before the trip to Wales. Beyond Nusa there are other profiles we don't know about; after Summerville, Roma is working behind the scenes, and they're trying to close a deal before Friday." Simone Valdarchi added that an attacking winger "will be a fundamental piece the club wants to cover," while Piero Torri expects both a full-back and an attacking winger to arrive within two weeks. Roberto Pruzzo praised Castro as "an excellent level player" but stressed that Roma must still complete its attacking setup. He noted: "Now you have Dybala, you have Soulé, you have Castro, you have Malen…you don't have physicality, but you have players who are at a very high level." Valdarchi also suggested that a departure may follow, naming Koné as a potential sale, and noted that Salah-Eddine is set to leave in the coming days. The consensus reflects a broader view that while Roma's squad possesses technical quality, the club must act swiftly to address gaps before competitive action begins.

Mile Svilar has firmly closed the door on any departure from Roma, dismissing transfer speculation and reaffirming his commitment to the club. In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, the Belgian-Serbian goalkeeper said: "For me it has always been only Roma, you should know that by now after the renewal. I am focused on giving my best for this shirt, this club and these fans. My heart is here." Juventus made an enquiry in mid-June to test the feasibility of a deal, but sporting director Tony D'Amico blocked any move, deeming Svilar immovable. Svilar has established himself as a leader under Gian Piero Gasperini's new era at the Stadio Olimpico. He recorded 132 appearances for Roma and a save percentage of 79% last season—the highest in Serie A. The goalkeeper credited much of his individual success to his understanding with the defensive line, expressing relief at the retention of key personnel: "It is a fortune that N'Dicka and Mancini have stayed. I have the fortune of having one of the best defences in Europe. A goalkeeper is nothing without prepared and attentive teammates." Svilar also confirmed he remains in contact with former captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, saying "I have been in touch with Lorenzo, he cannot wait to return." He has put behind him disappointment over missing the World Cup with Belgium due to bureaucratic and registration issues linked to Serbia, preferring to concentrate solely on Roma.

Mile Svilar has dismissed speculation linking him with Juventus, stating his sole focus remains AS Roma. The goalkeeper addressed reports that Juve had tabled a 40 million euro offer for him at the end of June, saying: "I don't know anything about this story, at least as far as I'm concerned. I can't tell you anything because I wasn't consulted and for me, you should know by now, there is only Roma. I'm focused on giving my best for this shirt, this club and these fans." Svilar, who has established himself as one of Serie A's standout goalkeepers in recent seasons, discussed Roma's ambitions for the campaign ahead. When asked about expectations, he said: "We're working, our legs are heavy. We still have a month before the league starts, so everything seems premature. Playing in the Champions League is something beautiful. In the league it will be difficult to confirm third place, especially because during the week with that type of European commitments we'll need to always be at our best. Teams to fear? No, I don't fear anyone. I can't wait to play against whoever." Svilar highlighted the solidity of Roma's defence, crediting the presence of Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka. Regarding Lorenzo Pellegrini's injury status, he remained coy: "I can't say anything, then with Lorenzo it's clear we're in touch. We've spoken, let's see what happens in the coming days."

Roma began their 2026–27 pre-season with a goalless draw against Cannes at Stadio Pierre de Coubertin, with kickoff at 17:30. The match marked Gian Piero Gasperini's first outing in charge and the debut of Roma's new home kit for the season. Cannes, also owned by the Friedkin Group, provided the opposition as Roma continue their build-up without all their summer signings and with some players still returning from holiday. Donyell Malen came closest to breaking the deadlock when a cross from Paulo Dybala found him in the box, but his attempted heel flick sailed wide. Later in the first half, Malen was played through on goal and attempted a lob after evading defenders with a dribble, but the effort was deflected wide. Gianluca Mancini made a crucial defensive intervention in the 25th minute, earning applause from the travelling support after an initial knock but continuing the match. Gasperini fielded a 3–4–2–1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal and a defence of Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso. Bryan Cristante anchored the midfield alongside new recruit Bah, with Devyne Rensch and Wesley operating as wing-backs. The attacking trio of Dybala, Matías Soulé, and Malen provided the creative spark throughout the first 45 minutes.